Fortney opened the school in May at the Marketplace at Wycliffe shopping center west of Lake Worth. Dynamic TaeKwon-Do also has schools in Aventura, Cooper City and Hollywood.

Fortney teaches the 5 to 11, teenage and adult groups. She also is accepting students as young as 2 for a Little Dragons class.

"I believe it's a great activity for young kids to get involved in because they have the flexibility," she said.

The school teaches a curriculum of self-defense, focuses on flexibility and uses a 10-belt system, Fortney said.

Dynamic also emphasizes academic achievement.

"We have the kids write reports and essays," she said.

Good students get featured on the bulletin board.

Students will compete in tournaments with the other Dynamic TaeKwon-Do academies.

"They're a great experience because everyone gets an award. It's a great way to show achievement and gives kids confidence," Fortney said.

The programming for adults is less structured. She probably will add day classes for adults by popular demand, Fortney said. She also plans to add cardio-kickboxing classes in the fall, as most of the adults who have signed up are doing it to stay fit, she said.

Lindsey Sayre and Tom Klidonas, who work at the Michael Angelo Hair Salon & Spa a few doors down, began taking tae kwon do classes with Fortney a few months ago.

"I've been involved in martial arts for years," said Klidonas, who has a black belt and seven years of experience. "I trained at some larger schools. The training techniques are very similar, but it's different when it's smaller because it's more intimate."

Klidonas and Sayre wanted to get back in shape.

"It's good exercise, and that's what I'm really doing it for. It's kind of fun," Sayre said. "I've already got up one belt, and that really inspires you to get to the next level."

Classes cost $99 a month for sessions twice a week and $109 for sessions three times a week. Fortney is offering discounts to military and law-enforcement personnel.

Ushma Patel can be reached at 561-243-6621 or upatel@sun-sentinel.com.